We have been running in several different directions but I wanted to blog just for the record and to promote an upcoming Fall event. So today’s blog is rather a hodgepodge.
It’s been a busy July. We have hosted many interesting guests including families with children, physicians, a veterinarian, several musicians, a couple of different professors, pilots, my bother and his wife for their birthdays, a family gathering, friends visiting friends, people waiting for their house rentals week to start, anniversary couples, and Jack’s 90-year old mama. Mama was joined on her mid-July birthday by Jack’s brother, his wife, and Jack’s daughter and grandson for the celebration. May she have 90 more healthy years!
The musicians who stayed at Bedford Landings were part of the newly formed Smith Mountain Lake symphony (https://www.smlsymphony.com/) who gave their inaugural performance on July 26th. Jack played bagpipes to open the program followed by a Bluegrass band. We both sang with the chorus for Bach’s “Wachet Auf” Cantata. On Friday, Bedford Landings hosted a viola player, a cellist, and a bassist. Then, Saturday, we hosted the fiddle player and his wife from the Bluegrass Band (Randy Cox and the Commonwealth Band). All were fine musicians and interesting people! The other weekend guests were most flexible as we came and went with rehearsals.
Shortcuts
We are so thankful to have Pattie, our part time housekeeper, who we schedule when we have more than 2 rooms to clean. I have been trying to share some of our tips with her (and with Jack) so we all work efficiently. I guess efficiency and planning are just life lessons my mother taught me.
For example, it’s a shortcut to do this:
- Instead of searching for a new trash bags, throw 4-5 new ones in the bottom of the can then pull the fresh bag over top. A new bag will be there next time you pull the full one out;
Each morning, Jack makes the coffee. We get compliments on the coffee; maybe because we grind the coffee beans for each pot fresh. It takes a little more time, but we save by jump-starting the pot the night before by:
- Pre-inserting the paper filter ready to receive the grounds and filling the coffee pot with water the night before. Then we just grind the beans and turn on the switch for fresh coffee the next morning.
I am the one who wants to make the table and each plate look pretty. Each breakfast place has their place setting, a cloth napkin, poured juice and water pre-set. Coffee or Tea is offered once guests come to the breakfast room … but for pretty presentations:
- Since so many foods for breakfast are tan, yellow or white, we select the plate color to brighten the food! We place mono-colored foods on colorful or dark plates and brightly colored foods on white plates. I know, a bit fanatical but it keeps me entertained!
Upcoming:
The happy hour painting class was very popular and we have had requests to offer it again. For fall, we have scheduled another fun class. Our friend, Sandy Kelso, is going to conduct a jewelry making class on September 16 (5:30 pm) where you can create one-of-a-kind jewelry in just your colors! She will walk you through how to design, hook, clasp, crimp and loop for a stunning finished piece of jewelry. You will select from a variety of beads to create a distinctive bracelet, necklace, or earrings. Ten participants may pre-register for $30 each. Supplies will be provided along with a snack and beverage. Participants are welcome to being wine for sipping while beading. Email karen@bedfordlandings.com or call 540-488-4600.
And that’s what’s cookin’ from Bedford Landings!